Police recruits are helping to break the mould.

Eighteen Bermudians -- nine men and nine women -- have just started basic Police training and will pass out in June to join the regular ranks of the Service.

But these recruits are leading the change in the Bermuda Police Service -- older, more mature and with previous experience in different jobs.

Recently, Police Commissioner Colin Coxall indicated he wanted to see more mature people enter the Police Service.

There was concern that young people were joining the Service and then quickly leaving. To encourage older people to join the age limit for recruits was increased up to 40.

Insp. Charles Mooney, the instructor in charge of the training school, said: "These recruits range in age from 19 to 37 and they come from a variety of backgrounds.

"They will train until June and then join the Service as probationary officers for three years.'' Twenty-year-old Dayna Black, a college student, said joining the Service was something she always wanted to do.

"I applied before, but because of my height I was not successful. I am now looking forward to a new career,'' she said.

The oldest of the recruits is 37-year-old Robin Smith, who was a Bermuda Government diplomatic mail courier.

"I have always wanted to be a Police Officer. This is a childhood dream come true for me,'' said 5-foot 7-inch P.c. Smith, who benefitted from the age change and a one-inch drop in height for recruits.

"Under the old rules I would also have been disqualified for wearing glasses,'' he added. "The recruitment of more mature people has helped me, but I am not allowing my age to be a deterrent, we are all in this together.''